In the debate between two of the most innovatively designed Philips brewers currently on the market, Philips 1200 vs 3200 LatteGo, I would choose Philips 3200 LatteGo as the winner.
I find the Philips 3200 LatteGo better to buy due to its impressive range of 5 coffee specialities, including some milk-based beverages. The LatteGo system, in particular, stands out for cappuccino enthusiasts like me, as it produces creamy and velvety milk foam. However, this option may require a slightly higher investment compared to the Philips 1200.
Conversely, the Philips 1200 offers limited one-touch drinks, so it may not be the top choice for those seeking a variety of one-touch options and a wide selection of milk-based drinks. It also lacks the impressive LatteGo system. Nevertheless, in terms of flavour, I can attest that it matches up well with its counterpart. If your main priority is the taste of coffee and espresso and you don’t necessarily need one-touch convenience, the Philips 1200 offers a more budget-friendly alternative.
Philips 1200 vs 3200 Lattego: Comparison chart
Last update on 2024-05-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Philips 1200 vs 3200 Lattego: Differences
In the showdown between the Philips 3200 LatteGo and the Philips 1200, the Philips 3200 LatteGo emerged as the winner with a final score of 2-1. The Philips 3200 LatteGo stood out for its more drink options and its advanced LatteGo milk system. On the flip side, the Philips 1200 has an affordable price without sacrificing coffee quality.
Drink Options & Programmability
The Winner: Philips 3200 LatteGo
| Philips 1200 | Philips 3200 LatteGo |
|---|---|
| Espresso Coffee Hot water 2 × Espresso 2 × Coffee | Espresso Hot water Cappuccino Coffee Latte Macchiato Americano 2 × Espresso 2 × Coffee 2 × Americano |
Let’s start with the Philips 3200 LatteGo. It offers 5 pre-programmed beverages, including Espresso, Coffee, Americano, Cappuccino, and Latte Macchiato. The variety here is outstanding, and it really adds a touch of excitement to your daily coffee routine. For someone like me who loves exploring different coffee flavours, this was a big win.
On the other hand, the Philips 1200 is more modest in its offerings with just two options: Espresso and Coffee. While the drink selection on the Philips 1200 may be more limited, I’m aware that many people find this simplicity to be perfectly adequate; they simply don’t require more complex beverage options.
Another distinction worth noting is that the Philips 1200 lacks the convenience of one-touch milk-based drinks. However, should the occasion arise, you can utilize the Panarello to manually froth and add milk to your espresso shot. It’s a feasible workaround, although not as hassle-free as having preset options like those offered by the Philips 3200 LatteGo.
Moreover, both the Philips 3200 LatteGo and the Philips 1200 provide the option for double shots of Coffee, Espresso, and Americano (Philips 3200 LatteGo only). However, there’s one drawback here that I think is important to mention. When you opt for these double shots, these machines repeat the entire process twice. This means they grind the coffee beans twice and brew the coffee twice instead of grinding double the amount of coffee once. As a result, the waiting time can be quite prolonged.
Programmability
| Philips 1200 | Philips 3200 LatteGo | |
|---|---|---|
| Brewing Temperature | 3 levels | 3 levels |
| Aroma Strength Settings | 3 levels | 3 levels |
| Drink Volume | 3 levels | 3 levels |
It will always be a plus when these machines allow us to adjust some drink parameters to suit our individual tastes. However, the adjustment options are limited to just 3 levels. For me, it’s quite a bit limited. And sometimes I feel my drink on three different levels is not too different.
To begin with, both machines offer the option to fine-tune the temperature using three preset levels: Low, Medium, and High. However, when I set it to the lowest or highest setting, the temperature only varies by about 5-7 degrees.
Next, they also allow us to adjust the strength of the coffee. These machines offer 3 levels for this purpose, which essentially means adjusting the amount of coffee grounds used. If you, like me, feel that three levels are somewhat limited, don’t worry; we fine-tune the coffee strength by adjusting the grind size.
Moving on to another aspect, these machines also provide the ability to choose three levels of drink volume. But I’ve observed that the maximum volume is capped at 8 ounces. This volume might not align with the preferences of numerous coffee enthusiasts, particularly in the United States, where a 12-ounce cup is a more standard choice.
Milk System
The Winner: Philips 3200 LatteGo
The second biggest difference, and also the reason for the price difference between these two products, is their milk system. The Philips 3200 LatteGo employs a latte system known as the LatteGo system, whereas the Philips 1200 is equipped with a Panarello wand.
LatteGo system of Philips 3200 LatteGo is the automatic built-in frother that is attached to the machine. I am really impressed with this design. It operates fully automatic, from heating the milk to frothing it and then dispensing just the right amount of milk for the specific recipe you’ve chosen. You can count on it to deliver consistent results every single time, and the best part is that you don’t have to do any of the work yourself.
For someone who doesn’t have the expertise or patience for manual steam wands, the LatteGo system proved to be a true blessing. It saves you time and effort, especially during those busy mornings.
Furthermore, I have to say that the LatteGo system has a really clever design that does away with the need for troublesome tubes, which often lead to milk residue and spoilage issues. Instead, it just includes a circular frother chamber where milk and air effortlessly blend and a dispenser. Any leftover milk can be conveniently stored in the refrigerator for later use. It means I can whip up a cappuccino in the morning, and if there’s any milk left, I don’t have to worry about it going to waste.
On the other hand, the Philips 1200 takes a more traditional approach with a classic milk frother, the Pannarello steam wand. Now, some might initially feel a bit apprehensive about the idea of using a manual steam wand, especially if they’re newcomers to the world of espresso machines and frothing techniques. But let me assure you, it’s simpler than it might seem. All you have to do is place the wand into the milk, press the steam icon, and voilà, it will automatically froth.
Regarding milk quality, I find that both of these two machines yield quite good milk quality. While they may not reach the absolute pinnacle of excellence that some coffee aficionados might crave, considering their respective price ranges, they still perform admirably.
They excel at producing creamy and thick foam, making them ideal for cappuccinos. The Philips 3200 LatteGo has a slight edge with its smoother, velvety foam texture.
However, neither machine is ideal for intricate latte art due to their limitations in creating microfoam. Overall, they offer good milk quality for their price, with the 3200 LatteGo having a slight advantage in texture.
Price
The Winner: Philips 1200
The Philips 1200 presents itself as a more budget-friendly option, coming in at about $300 less than the Philips 3200 LatteGo. The lower price, of course, also means it does come with a few trade-offs, such as that it lacks the LatteGo system and doesn’t have as many preset drinks as the Philips 3200.
However, if the extra preset drinks are not a top priority for you and you value the quality of espresso and coffee above all else, then the Philips 1200 could be the practical and cost-effective choice.
In addition to the differences mentioned earlier, it’s worth highlighting that the Philips 1200 shares many of the same features as the Philips 3200 LatteGo, making it a solid choice as well. Specifically, they have several similarities:
- Coffee Flavor and Brewing Technology: Both machines offer a similar coffee flavour and utilize comparable brewing technology, ensuring a satisfying coffee experience.
- Ceramic Grinders: They both use ceramic grinders, which provide 12 grind settings. This allows for versatility in selecting the perfect grind for your coffee.
- Single Boiler: Both machines feature a single boiler system that takes a minute or two to heat up.
- Compact Design: They share a compact design that fits seamlessly onto your kitchen counter, making them suitable for spaces with limited room.
- Impressive Capacity: They share the same capacity, which is quite impressive considering their size.
- Intuitive Interface: The button-based interface on both machines is user-friendly and intuitive, ensuring that navigating through the coffee-making process is straightforward.
Quick Rundown Of Philips 3200 Lattego
- With Philips 3200 Series enjoy the delicious taste and aroma of coffee from fresh beans at the perfect temperature
- LatteGo Milk System: Top your coffee off with a silky-smooth layer of milk froth
- Intuitive Touch Display: Select the perfect coffee for your mood with just one touch
- My Coffee Choice Menu: Adjust the strength and quantity of your beverage and choose from three different settings to suit your preferences. The Aroma Extract system intelligently strikes the optimum balance between brewing temperature and aroma extraction
- Powerful Filter and Easy Maintenance: Thanks to the AquaClean, enjoy clear and purified water - by changing the filter after being prompted by the machine, you will not need to descale your machine for up to 5000 cups
Last update on 2024-05-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown Of Philips 1200
- With Philips 1200 Series enjoy the delicious taste and aroma of coffee from fresh beans at the perfect temperature.Filter type:Reusable
- Classic Milk Frother System: Dispenses steam, allowing you to easily prepare silky smooth milk froth for your cappuccino
- Intuitive Touch Display: Select the perfect coffee for your mood with just one touch
- My Coffee Choice Menu: Adjust the strength and quantity of your beverage and choose from three different settings to suit your preferences. The Aroma Extract system intelligently strikes the optimum balance between brewing temperature and aroma extraction by keeping the water temperature between 90 and 98°C
- Powerful Filter and Easy Maintenance: Thanks to the AquaClean, enjoy clear and purified water - by changing the filter after being prompted by the machine, you will not need to descale your machine for up to 5000 cups
Last update on 2024-05-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References
- Philips 1200: https://www.usa.philips.com/c-p/EP1220_04/series-1200-fully-automatic-espresso-machines
- Philips 3200: https://www.usa.philips.com/c-p/EP3221_44/series-3200-fully-automatic-espresso-machines
Felix Hendricks is a skilled barista with over 12 years of experience. He excels in crafting coffee and has a strong foundation in coffee machine mechanics. Felix holds a Coffee Machine Maintenance Certification from the Coffee Equipment Technical Institute, showcasing his ability to diagnose and repair coffee machines. He’s also worked as a quality control specialist, selecting premium coffee beans for optimal flavor. Felix has a diverse work history, including stints at renowned coffee spots like Café Euphoria & Starbucks. His expertise in both brewing and machine maintenance makes him a respected figure in the coffee industry.